Peter Boizot M.B.E. the founder of the Pizza Express Group invented the Veneziana Pizza in 1977. This was his response to the disastrous flooding in Venice on the night of 4th/5th November 1966. In 1997, following a 20 year collaboration between Pizza Express and the Venice in Peril Fund, a British charity set up to help with the restoration of Venice after the flood, it was decided that the time had come to share the income from the sale of the Veneziana Pizza with heritage projects in the UK. Therefore the Veneziana Fund was formed and registered as a charity in 1997. Since then the Veneziana Fund has been receiving all donations from the sale of the Veneziana Pizza.

The Veneziana Fund has successfully supported many restoration works in Venice while in the UK it has funded the preservation, restoration, repair and maintenance of buildings originally constructed before 1750 and works of art made before 1750 (including the purchase of such items).

The Trustees are currently reviewing their grant making criteria. In the meantime, they will be continuing to assess applications as before for heritage projects in the UK. For further information as to the criteria and an application form, please email the Fund’s administrator here.

The Sheldon Trust, which also incorporates funds previously held by the Malcolm Chick Charity and the Pearson’s Holiday Fund, aims to alleviate poverty and distress within society. To this end it makes grants to registered charities in four defined focus areas: community projects; special needs groups; youth development; and holidays for the disadvantaged.

Grants may be provided for specific projects, operating costs, including staff, as well as refurbishment and specific items of equipment. However, capital appeals for building costs and vehicles are not considered.

The next meeting of the Trustees will take place on the 30th October 2017. The Trustees are not able to accept further applications for this meeting.

Applications for Holiday Funding - The Trustees are now accepting applications for Holiday Funding for the year April 2017 to March 2018.

Providing grants for charities, CICs and Registered Societies. Grants are provided for projects relating to education (only relating to organic farming, animal husbandry, veterinary science, animal welfare and animal surgery), the visual and performing arts, medical research, the relief of disability and severe illness, the preservation of buildings of architectural or historical significance and the accommodation of those in need.

When to apply

The Trustees aim to meet in January, April, July and October.

The next meeting is scheduled for NOVEMBER 2017.

The Application period will CLOSE at 12pm (noon) on Monday 9 October 2017.

There will be no further funding available from the Malcolm Chick Charity.

The Trustees of the Sheldon Trust will continue to make grants to registered charities working with young people who are disadvantaged either economically or educationally and who are between the ages of 16 and 25 years. Further details of this funding opportunity can be found on The Sheldon Trust webpage.